FIVE Eastern Cape companies have benefited from an ECDC-organised trade visit to Sweden and Denmark.

Cape Mohair Spinners, Momentos of Africa, The Rainbow Hut Colour Corporation and Valor Fruit Processors of Port Elizabeth, and Arts Unlimited in East London, took part in the visit, which was the ECDC‘s Trade Promotion unit‘s first trip to the continent.

The companies have already benefited from the trip by way of orders and firm interest in establishing long- term relationships with the South African companies.

ECDC collaborated with South African embassies in Sweden and Denmark, the Stockholm and Copenhagen Chambers of Commerce, the Danish Import Promotion Office as well as the Open Trade Gate in Sweden.

“They played a huge role in providing detailed information on trade issues between South Africa and the Scandinavian countries,” said Zodwa Kepeyi, ECDC‘s export promotion specialist.

The trade visit was funded by way of the department of trade and industry‘s Export, Marketing and Investment Assistance programme.

Momentos of Africa, which produces mohair products such as blankets, throws, capes, shawls, scarves and tapestries, secured a buyer from Sweden.

The company is also already working on its application to participate in a leading textile exhibition early next year in Frankfurt.

Rainbow Hut, which manufactures paint products for children, secured a R40 000 order from a Swedish company that is looking to incorporate these products into its existing range of products.

“The visit to the Swedish School of Textiles provided business contacts. Collaboration between the school, their designers and our South African students is a possible venture,” said Jared Shear of Cape Mohair Spinners.

The ECDC said it would be leading a similar mission with the automotive industry to Sweden later this year.